When Denise Buzy-Pucheu and her husband, Cary Correia, contemplated adopting a child, they were adamant about researching the options and ultimately decided upon an international adoption. Ten years later, the Connecticut-based couple has expanded the family to five with 10-year-olds Ethan and Isabella, adopted from Kazakhstan, and 8-year-old Aeryn Elisabeth, adopted from China. “I would say, first and foremost to the newcomer to adoption, to get all the information you can read,” Buzy-Pucheu says. If you are considering adoption, it’s important to know what it entails. You should know how to find an agency, what national and international options there are and detailed information about the child you hope to welcome into your family.
Category: Newspaper Writing
5 Inexpensive Spring Activities For the Family
The sound of birds chirping and children giggling outside is a definite sign that spring is here. It’s the perfect time to spring your family activities into action. “Outdoor family days include renewing bonds, showing your children the importance of physical activity and giving them a chance to use their creativity,” says Aeva Gaymon-Doomes, a child psychiatrist in Chevy Chase, Md. Springtime activities, though, don’t have to be hard on your bank balance. Keep your family active and your finances in shape with family activities perfect for your budget.
Move Over, Mom: Book Clubs for Kids
School may be out, but your kids don’t have to put the books down. Group reading and organized book clubs with friends and neighbors offers children and teens a way to have fun while still learning during the summer months. Jump-start a summer reading program with fun discussions, activities and games that will leave a lasting impression well into the school year.
Learning in Disguise: 10 Kid-Approved Activities
While you and your children may be looking forward to swimming, games, and outdoor activities this summer, it’s easy to forget that learning doesn’t stop when the sun is shining. Don’t let your child forget the academic lessons from the school year. Instead, find ways to incorporate learning into the family’s summer plans with educational field trips and at-home experiments that disguise learning. “Don’t make it a learning activity,” says Dr. Leonisa Ardizzone, science educator and founder of Storefront Science. “Instead, make it an adventure.”
How to Train to Stay Healthy: Men Over 50
For men over 50, the most common barriers to healthy living and exercise revolve around lack of time and enjoyment. The good news is that for time-pressed individuals, you can train smarter instead of longer while enjoying your favorite activities, says Jessica Matthews, exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise. With a few changes to your daily routine, you can train to stay healthy and revive your mind, body and soul.
High Protein Breakfasts
If you find yourself dragging in the morning and experiencing the midday slumps at the office, it may be time to pump up your day with high-protein breakfasts. "Protein is not just good for the muscles, it's also good for satiety," says Kate Myerson, Vermont-based registered dietitian with Vtrim, an online healthy weight management program. Pep up your routine with tasty morning treats that will satisfy your taste buds and increase your energy level.
Family Activities with Preteens
As your preteen begins to explore her freedom and social life, family time may not be as important or appealing to her as it used to be when she was younger. But just because your preteen is growing up doesn't mean you have to sacrifice time with her. "Take the time to get to know your preteen, find out her likes and dislikes and listen to her," says Erica Ives, California-based family therapist. By tuning into her interests, you may soon find she actually wants to spend time with her loved ones and is willing to dive into family activities.
Gardening for Kids
If your children cringe at the sight of peas on the dinner table, a family garden may be the solution to get them excited about fruits and veggies. “Gardening helps parents and children spend time together outdoors, take pride in growing their own food, learn about our ecosystem and connect to each other and to others who have lived on the land before us,” says Susan Lipman, California-based gardening expert with the Children & Nature Network and author of “Fed Up With Frenzy.”
Fresh Ideas for Kids’ Lunches
If it seems like day after day you're making the same old PB & J sandwiches for your little ones, it might be time to freshen up lunchtime with something new and innovative. A healthy lunch can make a difference in your child's energy level and academic achievement, according to Stephanie Cundith, Kansas-based registered dietitian. "Access to better nutrition, coupled with increased opportunities for physical activity, may help students reach their potential throughout the school year," she says.
10 Easy Things to Keep Clean
While you may claim your home is "lived in" to excuse the clutter and messy countertops, keeping your home clean with simple, daily remedies will eliminate the need for those excuses. From countertops and floors to showers and entryways, your home can radiate a clean shine and aroma at all times with a few quick fixes. Get the entire family involved in your daily cleaning routine and then sit back and admire your bacteria-free living space.
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 